Supermicro Showcases Dempsey Processors, Bensley Servers.

While Intel’s next-generation dual-core server processors made using 65nm process technology and supporting core-logic sets are supposed to be launched in 2006, the chipmaker’s close partner Supermicro is able to demonstrate working prototypes of the code-named Dempsey processor and Bensley platform already now as well as reveal some interesting details about them.

Supermicro showcases two systems running dual-core Intel Xeon processors code-named Paxville DP as well as Dempsey, which are made using 65nm and 90nm process technologies respectively.

Supermicro’s SuperServer 6014P-32R features two dual-core Intel Xeon DP processors code-named Paxville DP that sport 800MHz processor system bus. The server is powered by a beefed up version of the Lindenhurst (E7520) chipset that can operate with 800MHz Quad Pumped Bus and is based on X6DHP-3G2 that can be equipped with up to 16GB of ECC registered PC2-3200 memory, PCI-X-133/100 or PCI-Express x8 add-in cards and up to eight SAS/SATA hard disk drives. The machine also comes with dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, optimal fan speed control and an IPMI 2.0 socket with a 3rd LAN option for server management. The server will be available in Q4 2005.

Supermicro’s prototype server based on the Bensley platform reveals some interesting details about the code-named Blackford chipset. Apparently, the chipset will have dual 1066MHz processor system bus as well as support quad-channel 533MHz FB-DIMM memory. The server, which runs two Intel Xeon DP processors code-named Dempsey can support up to 48GB of DDR2 FB-DIMM memory, 3 PCI-Express, 3 PCI-X-133/100 slots, Serial ATA-2 ports dual Gigabit LAN ports and so on. The system will be released commercially along with the Blackford chipset, which is to be launched, according to Intel Corp., in Q1 2006.

Intel plans to introduce the dual-core Intel Xeon processor MP, code-named Paxville, for servers with four or more processors later in 2005. The Xeon MP processor based on Paxville core will be drop-in compatible with existing server platforms based on Intel E8500 core-logic. For dual processor servers, Intel plans to ship a premium dual-core Intel Xeon processor, code-named Paxville DP in 2005. Paxville DP will use the Intel E7520 chipset, but it is unclear whether it will be drop-in compatible with already shipping apps. Dempsey processors will use LGA771 packaging and will require new infrastructure later in 2006.